Accused in sexual assault of three-year-old girl in Welland, Ont., denied transfer to women's jail

Outrage after Ontario sexual urge offender accused of attacking bambino

< warm>WARNING: This story references baby sexual assault.

Ontario corrections officials have denied a request to transfer registered child sex offender Daniel Senecal to a women's jail as the 25-year-old awaits a bail hearing in another case, this one involving an attack on a girl in Welland.

Senecal was released earlier this year after serving time for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old in the Niagara Region city. The latest charges involve a three-year-old over the Labour Day weekend. Niagara police said the girl was sexually assaulted after someone broke into the family home. 

According to police, the child — referred to by supporters of the family as "Little E" — suffered serious injuries and had to be rushed to an out-of-region hospital for advanced care.

Senecal faces fives charges, including break and enter, aggravated sexual assault and sexual interference.

The identities of the 12-year-old and the three-year-old girl are protected under a publication ban. 

On Wednesday, Senecal appeared briefly in St. Catharines court for a bail hearing via audio link from the Niagara Detention Centre, which houses male inmates in nearby Thorold, and gave the name "Daniel" when speaking.

A Facebook page believed to be that of the accused uses the name "Dani Sénécal" and the pronouns "she/her."

Senecal, who remains in custody, is set for another virtual court appearance on Oct. 15.

The new charges against Senecal have prompted protests and calls for harsher sentences for violent offenders since the accused's criminal history came to light.

Earlier this week, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre renewed his call to "ban biological men from women's prisons," using social media to slam the attempt to move Senecal to a women's prison.

Premier Doug Ford said: "This scumbag deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his life."

Senecal was released from jail in March after serving time for the sexual assault of the 12-year-old in 2021.

The Niagara Regional Police Service is warning against "vigilante actions" as Senecal's case proceeds.

The caution comes after bikers and supporters of a far-right extremist group took part in rallies this week demanding justice for the three-year-old girl.

"Taking justice into one's own hands places community safety at risk and undermines the judicial process."

After the charges were laid, Niagara police Chief Bill Fordy released a statement urging the public to "rely on verified sources" when it comes to this case. 

Inaccurate claims about the case have circulated online, including social media posts falsely saying Senecal was released on bail last week.

Over 200 demonstrators gathered outside the St. Catharines courthouse on Wednesday ahead of Senecal's scheduled appearance. 

Campion also said, "There's really a lot of misinformation out there that has to stop because it can be damaging not only to court cases but also to the family themselves."

Many demonstrators carried signs displaying messages opposing bail for the accused or demanding broader reforms to keep violent offenders in prison longer.  

Among the dozen of motorcyclists who rode to the event, several wore vests bearing the logos of the Red Devils and Branded Souls motorcycle clubs. Another man was seen sporting a black hoodie displaying the symbol for Diagolon, which the RCMP has described as an "extremist militia-like organization."

Sabourin said the Niagara police service shares the public's concerns and is working with partners to advocate for bail reform.

"We strongly encourage the public to allow the courts to do their work," she said.

If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. For support in your area, you can look for crisis lines and local services via the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database. ​​

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